Singlespeed & Fixed Gear"I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five.
Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

Well I didnt really even think about it when i bought the wheelset, but since it is painted and I use a front brake, the brake doesnt really grasp very well to stop me suddenly.. Kinda sucks going down hill

Anyway to fix this? I cant afford a new wheel, Should I use alittle sand paper and ruff it up a bit

Anyway, I have a couple suggestions. Basically you'll want to make the brake function as well as you possibly can, short of buying a new wheel. Set the pads correctly, or maybe buy some new high quality pads. Clean the rim with soapy water or alcohol. Sanding the braking surface might wreck the paint, but I've never had to do this so I'm not sure. Hope this helps.

Anyway, I have a couple suggestions. Basically you'll want to make the brake function as well as you possibly can, short of buying a new wheel. Set the pads correctly, or maybe buy some new high quality pads. Clean the rim with soapy water or alcohol. Sanding the braking surface might wreck the paint, but I've never had to do this so I'm not sure. Hope this helps.

look closely... the brake tracks are painted.

I would suggest using the pads least recommended, which would be some shimano pads. They're very hard and abrasive compared to some of the popular choices like koolstop salmons and will cut through the paint in no time.

Anyway, I have a couple suggestions. Basically you'll want to make the brake function as well as you possibly can, short of buying a new wheel. Set the pads correctly, or maybe buy some new high quality pads. Clean the rim with soapy water or alcohol. Sanding the braking surface might wreck the paint, but I've never had to do this so I'm not sure. Hope this helps.

thanks guys.. wasnt sure what to do after I was going down a really steep hill and needed alittle quick brake before I hit the intersection.. Ill keep riding it and wearing it in.. Glad to know it will actually get better though

some 400 or 250 grit wet sand paper should do the trick (sanding the wheel wet), if you don't want to wait for the brakes to scuff up the surface. It will take the shine off the paint and give your brakes something to bite into. Easy fix.